ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: Water and Power Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Wednesday assured the provinces that they would get water in accordance with their demand during the Rabi season in 2005-06.

He emphasised that although conservation of water was being done by the provinces, sustained efforts were needed for judicious use of water as there had been scanty rains during the winter.

Presiding over a meeting held here to review the water situation, Mr Jatoi praised the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) for re-routing the supplies during the closure of the Taunsa Barrage.

He expressed satisfaction over the adequate use of water by the provinces.

The participants hoped that with better conservation, some water might be carried over for early Kharif sowing needs.

Irsa chairman Shafqat Muneer informed the meeting that provinces had utilised 23.48MAF water during the current year compared to 16.53MAF in Rabi last year. He said Irsa was fulfilling its commitment made to Sindh and Balochistan regarding full indents/shares during closure of the Taunsa Barrage. Currently, he added, the demands of Sindh were being met.

Water and Power Development Authority officials said there was satisfactory hydel generation at present, but the situation would become more demanding during the remaining Rabi period.